Masses of Americans Furiously Pursuing Second Passports and Overseas Residency Permits –
Rising Interest in Plan B Options Outside the U.S.
Geopolitical tensions, safety concerns, and the high cost of living are driving more Americans to explore options for second passports and residency permits abroad. “People are considering seriously, perhaps more seriously than they were a year or two ago – what are my options?” said Jennifer Stevens, executive editor at International Living.
Citizenship Through Descent: The Italian Connection
For some like Sara Zimmerman and her family, obtaining citizenship through descent is the preferred route. They are currently going through the “Jure Sanguinis” process to claim Italian citizenship via Zimmerman’s husband’s Italian ancestry. “It opens opportunities for my daughter. She can go to school in Europe, learn languages, have better healthcare,” Zimmerman explained.
The Golden Visa Route: Investing for Residency
Those without ancestry claims are turning to “golden visa” programs that grant residency through investment. Murat Coskun of Get Golden Visa stated, “Getting residency or citizenship through investment is no longer only for the ultra-wealthy.” Countries like Portugal and Malta offer these programs in exchange for qualifying investments starting around $100,000.
“It’s about having options for the future,” said Jon Green of Latitude.
“With political instability and rising costs at home, more Americans are prudently exploring legal paths to an international foothold,” noted immigration attorney Sarah Williams.
Surging Demand for Second Residencies
Service providers report a surge in interest from Americans seeking backup plans abroad. International Living’s Stevens noted, “We always see increased interest in an election year, but this year’s inquiries have surpassed recent cycles.”
An internationally diversified lifestyle has shifted from being a luxury to a consideration driven by pragmatic concerns over quality of life, affordability, and optionality according to analysts.